The countdown to kickoff is on with Queensland and NSW gearing up for a blockbuster State of Origin decider in Brisbane.

While the Blues are the favourites after a dominant win in Game II in Perth, Maroons legend Darren Lockyer is predicting it will be a close contest.

He says it’s one of the most exciting events in the Australian sports landscape.

“Playing at home there’s no doubt it helps it brings a level of confidence,” he told Sofie Formica.

“The omission of Cameron Munster and Murray Taulagi through COVID is not ideal, I just know that regardless of what the team looks like on paper they grow another arm and another leg when they play at home.”

He predicts Tom Dearden will start in 6, wearing the number 6 jersey, and Ben Hunt will start as hooker.

In Munster’s absence, he says Kalyn Ponga will have to “get more involved”.

“If Queensland play well tonight, it’s because Kalyn Ponga’s got his hands on the football and because he’s had an impact.”

Press PLAY below to hear his predictions ahead of the decider

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